Infertility

Infertility

DEFINITION
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of
regular, unprotected intercourse. It may be a result of biological
factors affecting either the male or female partner.
DESCRIPTION
For a woman to become pregnant, a number of events need to
occur. A woman must produce an egg which develops normally and is
released (ovulation) to be fertilised by sperm. The resulting
embryo must be transported to the woman’s uterus and implanted
where it grows and matures. If any of these events do not occur, or
are disrupted, Infertility will result. 
Major factors which contribute to Infertility include problems
with male sperm, ovulation, internal tubes and cervical mucus. In
approximately 10% of cases, no specific cause can be
identified.
 
Male factors
  • Exposure to high temperatures. It takes 72 to 74 days for sperm
    cells to develop. Optimum growth occurs at 34 degrees Celsius (93.2
    degrees fahrenheit). Higher temperatures (excessive heat or fever)
    may affect fertility.
  • Physical abnormalities.
  • Poor blood drainage from the testes (resulting in higher
    temperatures). 
  • Ejaculation into the bladder.
  • Hormone disorders. 
  • Genetic disorders.
 
Female factors
  • Inability to produce eggs.
  • Failure to ovulate. 
  • Blocked fallopian tubes.
  • Scarring of the uterus.
  • Inability to produce cervical mucus in sufficient quantity or
    of sufficient quality.
 
Lifestyle factors
  • Obesity.
  • Tobacco.
  • Alcohol.
  • Caffeine (tea, coffee, caffeine containing soft drinks).
  • Dieting, fasting and malnourishment can also cause temporary
    Infertility. 
  • Stress.
  • Exposure to industrial or environmental toxins.
  • Recreational drug use.
  • Exposure to stilboestrol or anabolic steroids.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
  • As with all conditions, your Doctor should be consulted to
    diagnose and treat this condition. Identifying the cause of your
    infertility is important as it may affect the choice of
    treatment.
  • A complete medical examination should be carried out on both
    the male and the female partner. See the Infertility Tests topic
    for more information on the diagnosis process
  • Structural problems, such as a blocked fallopian tube may
    require minor surgery.
  • Your Doctor may prescribe fertility drugs to stimulate
    ovulation.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes treatments such
    as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm
    injection (ICSI) etc
  • See the Infertility Treatments topic for more detailed
    information
  • Avoid smoking, exposure to toxins, stress, excessive alcohol
    and other recreational drug intake.
DIET HINTS
  • There is no particular diet that will directly enhance
    fertility, however, maintaining good health through sensible eating
    and regular exercise may help to encourage conception.
  • Include plenty of vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds,
    sunflower seeds, raw wheat germ and wholemeal bread.
  • Use olive oil as a base for cooking rather than butter or other
    fats. 
  • Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the diet. Five
    servings per day are recommended.
  • Try to drink between 6 to 8 glasses of freshly filtered water
    each day. 
  • Include foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, seafood and lean
    red meat. Folate is also important and is found in dark green leafy
    vegetables.
  • Avoid drinks which contain caffeine such as coffee, tea and
    cola drinks.
  • Adequate protein is important for people who are trying to
    conceive. Lean red meat, skinless chicken and fish are good sources
    of protein. Vegetarians may need to combine grains and legumes
    (beans, peas, lentils etc) in the same meal and take a B group
    vitamins supplement containing vitamin B12. Brewers’ yeast is a
    good source of B vitamins.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
See the topic Infertility – Supplements.
  • A folic acid deficiency may cause Infertility in women..
  • Vitamin B6 may increase progesterone levels and benefit female
    Infertility. Vitamin B6 is required for RNA and DNA synthesis.
  • A deficiency of vitamin B12 may be associated with male
    Infertility.
  • Vitamin C may protect against oxidative DNA damage to sperm.
    Vitamin C may also protect sperm from cigarette smoke damage.
    Vitamin C is thought to prevent sperm from clumping and improve
    sperm motility.
  • A deficiency of zinc is believed to be associated with
    oligospermia (insufficient sperm in the semen), decreased sperm
    motility and decreased testosterone levels. These problems may
    result in male Infertility.
  • Low iron levels in women may result in Infertility. Iron
    supplementation is most effective when given with vitamin C.
  • Vitamin E is required for balanced hormone production. Vitamin
    E is known as the ‘sex vitamin’ because it carries oxygen to the
    sex organs.
  • Natural beta carotene may be important for reproductive gland
    function.
  • False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum) may help to normalise
    ovarian function when female Infertility is associated with erratic
    ovulation.
  • Some types of Infertility may respond to chaste tree berries
    (Vitex agnus castus), particularly if associated with elevated
    prolactin levels.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
  1. If you need help to stop smoking, ask your Pharmacist about the
    range of anti-smoking products available.
  2. Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is
    inadequate. Studies have indicated that vitamin E and other
    antioxidants may help to enhance male fertility by reducing the
    destruction of sperm in the body by oxidation. Evening Primrose Oil
    and the herb Vitex agnus-castus, taken regularly, may help to
    regulate the female menstrual cycle.